KUALA LUMPUR – Relations and cooperation among Perikatan Nasional parties will be strengthened, especially with the 15th general election looming, said Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
The prime minister said it is important that there be no three-cornered fights among PN components in the next elections.
He said joint programmes will be arranged at the central, state and grassroots levels to forge closer cooperation among the different political outfits.
“I also want to propose that meetings between leaders of parties in the PN government be held more often. Perhaps, the time has come for a presidential council, made up of party chiefs in PN, Barisan Nasional, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS), to be formed.
“Periodical meetings can be held to discuss matters related to the economy, education, social policies and others,” he said in his policy speech at the Bersatu annual general assembly, held virtually, today.
The assembly kicked off with the Srikandi meeting in the morning, followed by Armada’s meet and the main event in the afternoon.
Bersatu president Muhyiddin said not all party leaders are in the cabinet, and by having the aforementioned meetings, each will get the chance to present their party’s views on key policies.
“I believe in the next general election, PN will be well received by the people of Malaysia. Studies have shown a high level of acceptance of PN among Malaysians. As such, Bersatu has decided to use the PN logo in the 15th general election.
“In the Sabah election, I made the decision to use the PN logo for the first time. Many had doubts regarding that decision. That’s because PN is new.
“And yet, PN won 17 of the 29 seats contested, and together with its partners in GRS, comprising PN, BN and PBS (Parti Bersatu Sabah), we managed to form the new Sabah government.”
He described the coalition’s formation as an important achievement in Malaysian politics, adding that he is certain PN will see a lot of success in the future.
Bersatu’s decision to leave Pakatan Harapan and form PN was not an easy one, and even harder to implement, but it opened a new chapter for the party, he said.
“We (PN) are considering applications from other parties wanting to join PN in the near future, which will make PN a national coalition representing the interests of all Malaysians.
“The basics are simple. We cannot stand alone. We need our friends from other parties to face the general election and form the government. If Bersatu stands alone, maybe we can win seats, but not enough to form the government.”
He said the 15th general election will be held only when the coronavirus threat is contained.
“We will return the mandate to the people and let them decide and choose the government they want.”
He said he is aware that the public is getting fed up with politicking among leaders.
“This is the time for Bersatu to rise and help the people. This is the role of everyone at the division and branch levels, what more, the higher levels. With people’s daily lives affected by the pandemic, many out there are waiting for assistance. Many are facing hardship.
“Let’s rise to the occasion. This is the time to serve the people – practise service politics, caring politics, work politics. Not the politics of power struggles. Provide your service and assistance to those in need. I believe that the people will appreciate you more if you do this.”
Muhyiddin said it is time to strengthen the party, and its machinery must be prepared for elections.
Several amendments will be made to the party charter at today’s assembly, he added.
“The amendments are important to ensure our party can function better, in line with current realities. This includes amending certain clauses in the constitution to establish the associate members’ wing.” – Bernama, November 28, 2020
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